NEW YORK, N.Y. - St. Louis Blues forward Chris Stewart was suspended three games Wednesday for an illegal hit on Detroit Red Wings defenceman Niklas Kronwall.

The play occured just inside the Detroit zone during the first period of Tuesday night's game and saw Stewart hammer Kronwall into the boards from behind.

"The onus is on Stewart to avoid this hit completely or at the very least minimize it," league disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan said in a video explanation.

It's the first time Stewart has been suspended during his four-year NHL career.

He's eligible to return Nov. 23 at Pittsburgh.